Despite the cacophony of noise emanating from the stadium when the game started, he kept his eyes on the ball and instilled commitment and professionalism in his team. True to the expectation of those who never doubted his playing dexterity and to the amazement of doubters, his gradual build up approach and eventual potency in the box with the number of goals already scored in less than half of the playing time, the noise has not only changed to applause but he has already been crowned the best player.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s tenure in Lagos State began with contentions and counter-contentions on his ability to give Lagos the needed leadership. Just as it took Christiano Ronaldo winning many awards, breaking many records and accomplishing many amazing feats to reinforce his soccer prodigy status, it is undisputable that African Leadership Magazine current Best Performing Governor in Nigeria, Akinwunmi Ambode, has won the hearts of many with his sterling performance, thus far.
At this juncture, the question is why are people currently expressing their desire to have the Ambode’s tenure extended? Perhaps, the answer lies in Ambode’s passionate approach to governance which has convinced all that he has all it takes to take Lagos to the Promise Land. His public service background really aided his understanding of the state’s development plan. This gives him a firm grasp of the various issues involved in the state’s transformation agenda.
15 months in the saddle, Lagosians and the general public are, no doubt, united in the managerial ability of the governor. Surely, the talk in town now is that Lagosians did not make a mistake in electing him governor. Good enough, the governor’s approval rating is essentially anchored on concrete evidences of performance.
Read also:https://businessday.ng/analysis/article/ambode-the-youth-and-job-creation/
A crucial aspect of the governor’s performance is its grassroots appeal. The flagship of this is the recently commissioned 114 inner roads, with two roads constructed in each of the 20 local governments and 37 LCDAs and the Light up Lagos Project which has also connected previously neglected communities to the national grid.
Also included in this renewed attempt to improve infrastructure in the state are two flyover bridges being constructed simultaneously at Ajah and Abule Egba as well as the third one to be constructed at Agege Pen Cinema. The ceaseless way in which the Ambode government has tackled traffic in the state with lay-bys and pedestrians bridges, has really eased commuters’ movement in the state.
To ease the pains of pensioners in the state, funds were released to pay off arrears of pension liabilities. The health sector has also witnessed numerous revolutionary initiatives such as the inauguration of helipad at LASUTH, commissioning of ambulances, mobile clinics among others. These accomplishments in turn testified to the Governor’s clarity of vision, firmness of purpose and above all, his unequalled passion for Lagos’ progress.
Without a doubt, the Governor is a role model who is inspired by a determination never to let down the people who have reposed so much trust and confidence in him. Thus, we can understand the tenacity with which he is employing Stakeholders Engagement, Quarterly Town Hall Meetings, People’s Perception survey and social and conventional media to deepen the process of inclusive governance.
The truth is that what you don’t plan to do and that which you have not done cannot be discussed with the people. The projects not executed cannot be shared on the social media. Ambode is able to share and discuss his plans and programmes with the people because he is actually fulfilling his campaign promises by making Lagos work for everybody in consonance with his mantra of “Itesiwaju Ilu Eko loje wa logun” and his 2016 budget christened “The Peoples Budget”.
For every discerning mind, the last three months have added to the layers of progress in Lagos State. If one takes the courageous passing of the land grabbing law, it will be seen that this government is all about focus and touching peoples’ lives. In Lagos, land is gold, whether for individuals or investors. Therefore, whatever affects land affects almost everyone in the state. Thus, with this law in place and a task force that is already dealing with infractions, people are happy because confidence has peaked.
The passion and seriousness of the government is not in doubt. You can’t invest billions of naira into assets that will secure lives and property and look away. This government is particular about the sustainability of its programmes and projects especially on security and this is why training of personnel, insurance for every asset procured and maintenance is all part of the support it has given to the Police and other security agencies as well as to the Lagos State Emergency Rescue Unit.
Arts and entertainment is not left out of core focus of the Ambode administration. Of course, they were an integral component of his campaign promises. It is the conviction that Tourism, Arts and Entertainment could properly drive the Lagos project that informed having an independent Ministry for Tourism, Arts and Culture. The state’s One Lagos/Love Lagos brand is being driven through arts and entertainment. At this year’s Toronto’s Carnival, Lagos was the focus of attention. Lagos is the most visible African city at the global event. Eight films by Lagos State-based filmmakers were selected for red-carpet premieres and screenings at the festival. Think of the mileage that this gives to Lagos and all the filmmakers not only in terms of publicity but business opportunities and exposure on a major global platform.
Another recent activities that mirrors the passion of Ambode to sustain Lagos as destination of choice for investors was the sporting event, tagged, ‘Lagos City Marathon’. Lagos City Marathon is an initiative of the state government that communicates creativity in approach to sport development. It is likewise a pointer to how Ambode could actualize the state dream of improving its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) using sports as a major instrument. Not giving chance to being overwhelmed with the enormity of the responsibility, the state in line with best practice all over the world resorted to PPP model of partnership with Access Bank and other partners including Eko Atlantic, Eko Hotel & Suites and Lucozade Sport.
The doggedness and passion of Akinwunmi Ambode for advancing the progress of Lagos has endeared him to diverse people. His passion for Lagos’’ advancement is reflected in his agenda to turn the metropolis into 24 hour economy. The aim is to surpass the universal standard of excellence. Barely one and half years in the saddle, for Ambode, passion has given rise to action and from all indications; the good days have just begun.
Rasak Musbau
Musbau is of Features Unit, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.
